You’ve probably heard the jokes about winter in Southern California basically not existing. Well, if you’re looking at the weather in Los Angeles California today, Friday, January 16, 2026, the punchline is pretty much holding up.
While the rest of the country is reportedly bracing for a polar vortex and "dangerous snow squalls" in the Midwest, LA is doing its own thing. Honestly, it's almost a different planet. We're looking at a high of 79°F.
That’s not just "warm for winter." It’s a solid 12 degrees above the historical average of 67°F for this date.
What’s Happening Outside Right Now?
If you stepped out early this morning, it was actually kinda crisp. Downtown LA recorded a low of 54°F around 3:00 AM. But that chill won't stick. The sun is doing some heavy lifting today.
Basically, the day is following a classic high-pressure pattern. You get that clear, dry heat that peaks in the mid-afternoon before dropping off quickly once the sun dips behind the Santa Monica mountains.
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Here is the quick breakdown of the numbers for those who just want the facts:
- High Temperature: 79°F
- Low Temperature: 52°F to 54°F (depending on if you're closer to the coast)
- Humidity: Hovering around 57%
- Wind: Calm, currently N 0 MPH in the downtown area
- Sunset: 5:09 PM PST
Weather in Los Angeles California Today: The Air Quality Factor
Here is where things get a bit messy. Warm, stagnant air in the basin usually means the atmosphere isn't "scrubbing" itself out.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is reporting Moderate air quality for most of Central LA today, with an AQI around 62. The primary pollutant is PM2.5—those tiny particles that can be a bit of a literal headache if you're sensitive to them.
If you're in the West San Fernando Valley, you're lucky. Your air is actually rated "Good." But for those closer to the 405 or the 110, it's that typical hazy January reality where the warmth comes at the cost of clarity.
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Why the Heat Matters This Weekend
This isn't just about whether you need a light jacket or a t-shirt. There's a lot of eyes on the local weather right now because of the NFL playoffs.
Even though the Rams are heading out of town to face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, the "California softening" is a real talking point. Tom Brady recently pointed out that quarterbacks used to this 79-degree LA sun can lose their edge when they hit sub-zero wind chills.
Stafford and the crew have been practicing in this beautiful weather all week, which is great for the mood but maybe not for the "grip, muscle movement, and timing" needed for a frozen Chicago tundra.
Is This "Record" Weather?
Not quite, but it's close.
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The record high for January 16 was set back in 2021 when it hit a scorching 88°F downtown. We won't touch that today, but we are significantly warmer than the "normal" 68°F.
It's that weird time of year where you'll see people in parkas and people in flip-flops on the same sidewalk. Both are probably right, depending on what time they left the house.
What You Should Do Today
If you’re planning to be outdoors, the window between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM is going to be the sweet spot for maximum warmth.
- Hydrate more than you think. 57% humidity is relatively low for LA, and that dry air can sneak up on you when it's nearly 80 degrees out.
- Layering is the only way. It will drop 20 degrees within two hours of sunset. Don't be the person shivering at dinner because you trusted the afternoon sun.
- Check the AQI if you have asthma. While "Moderate" isn't a "stay indoors" warning for most, it’s worth keeping an eye on if you're planning a heavy run or hike in the hills.
The sun rose at 6:58 AM and will set at 5:09 PM. Enjoy those extra few minutes of light—we're officially gaining about a minute of daylight every day now.